Pensions: Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory?

Lions led by Donkeys?

UNISON is holding a special conference on Tuesday 6th March 2007 to decide whether to call for immediate strike action over changes to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS). I think that if this call is passed it would be a huge mistake and damage the whole Union.

I think that we are in danger of "losing the plot" and we need to rationally consider, where we are and what are our options. People can make up their own minds about the merits or otherwise of the current "offer" (s). See the latest version of "The New LGPS and You" from UNISON.

Many (not all) of the motions due to be debated on Tuesday will be the usual "Revolution Now/leadership sell out/disaffiliate from Labour Party" stuff. However, there will be open minded delegates present who may feel that the deal on the table is not good enough and that strike action may result in a better deal.

This is not the view of our elected lay leadership. Please look at the UNISON Pension newsletter 55 and the emergency motion moved by our Local Government Service Group (elected UNISON lay members not officers).

By coincidence, my branch secretary, is also Chair of the Local Government Service Group. Now, we don't always see "eye to eye" on issues (blogs, most Political matters, me rowing with SWP/Respect members, me not keeping my desk in our unison office tidy, not keeping up to-date with my filing etc.).

However, it is a matter of record that in her capacity as the Chair of the Local Government Service group, she actually moved their emergency motion not to ballot for strike action. She is not and has never been a member of the Labour Party. It would appear that she agrees that "as a package the new LGPS scheme will improve things for UNISON members". So why on earth should we consider striking? I would imagine that everyone would agree that this deal is not the greatest deal ever. However, people reading this post will be experienced trade unionists, when you negotiate with employers, both sides have to compromise to some extent in order to reach an agreement.

Council workers are not the only members of the LGPS. I understand that the elected lay leadership of the Police civilian staff and Further Education have made it clear that they do not support a strike ballot. In a majority of UNISON regions, local government branches reported back in the consultation exercise, that their members would not back strike action.

The strike last year was a success because it was solid. Things would be very different now. The GMB (no great surprise) have voted 98% in favour of accepting the new scheme.

It is also clear that we may indeed have battles over the LGPS in future years. The latest offensive comments by the Tories pension spokesperson, Philip Hammond, reminds us that they are committed to review (dismantle) "all gold plated public sector schemes".

It looks like another dispute over pay is on the horizon. This issue could effect the whole union not just Local Government. What would the impact on our negotiations over pay if we hold a ballot for strike action which our members reject?

On a positive note. It is undeniable that we have forced real concessions out of the Government by the strike action, by our the lobbying, by winning the arguments. Ironically, I have no doubt that those who are calling for future strikes, will in future years, go on and on, about how it is possible to win by strike action and they will cite 28 March 2006.

In the meanwhile support our elected lay leadership on Tuesday.

or...?




(Please remember that I express my personal views on this blog)